Patient Resources

VascuLight Vein Treatment

Until now, treating varicose and spider veins was a lengthy and painful process with needles or other invasive treatments. Now, using the new combined technologies of the VascuLight® system, unsightly leg veins of all types can be treated — simply, non-invasively, and successfully.

What Types of Veins can be Treated?Varicose veins, usually deeper blue veins, need different treatment from discolored clusters (known as "spider veins") that are near the skin surface. For this reason, the VascuLight® system is equipped with two different light technologies. Your doctor may use either one or both, depending on your veins. Fortunately, there is now an effective non-invasive treatment for most cases.

What Type of Technology is Used on Deeper Blue Veins?The laser component of the VascuLight system is used to treat larger, deeper veins (i.e. reticular veins). These veins respond to the precise energy level and wavelength of light that is used. A small spot of laser light travels through the skin and is absorbed by the blood within the vein, on the basis of its color. The resulting heat coagulates or clots the blood and destroys the function of the vein. This process does not affect any of the surrounding tissue. Over time, the vein will be absorbed by the body and will disappear from sight.

Are Surface Veins and Spider Veins Treated The Same Way?These smaller, superficial structures require a different technology for successful treatment, not technically a laser at all. Smaller surface veins are treated using light energy. The light energy is absorbed by the blood, changed to heat, and the vein is destroyed. This Intense Pulsed Light (IPL®) technology is exclusive to the VascuLight system. With both technologies, your doctor has the ability to use exactly what is needed for the best result.